Family Business Connection · 2025-09-03 · 32 min
Scott Stern of Stern Co. shares how stepping back, empowering a non-family CEO, and mentoring his children fuel the company’s next generation. Scott Stern, second-generation leader of Co., reflects on nearly 50 years of family business history and the lessons that come with passing leadership to the next generation. After decades in the business, Scott recognized the moment had come to step back - not because he didn’t care, but because the company and his family needed space to grow under new leadership. Scott shares what it feels like to let go of the day-to-day and how his family noticed his leadership fatigue before he did. [7:45] “Sometimes . . . historical solutions don’t solve current problems. That really raised a level of awareness with me that now is really my time to step back.” Scott describes what the transition to a trusted non-family CEO looked like, his daughters’ and son-in-law’s involvement, and how clear governance, outside perspectives and strong leadership have strengthened the company.
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